What might you do in a typical first session with a student?

I would talk with the student and/or his or her parents to learn what each hopes to achieve from the tutoring sessions. I would ask what they've tried, what they liked, and what they didn't about their previous efforts. Then I would work hard to provide a good deal of value in that first lesson so that we can continue to work together.

What is your teaching philosophy?

All children-- all students, can learn. It is the role of a good teacher to discover the obstacles to learning and find a path around them.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I teach students the methods to discover the correct answer and eliminate the incorrect ones. Then, I offer practice sessions so that the student learns to use the methods on his or her own.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I help students stay motivated by focusing on their growth-- their "wins."

If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?

I would break down each piece of the skill or concept to determine where the obstacle lies. Once I understood what was causing the difficulty, I would work to help the student understand that part of the concept or skill.

How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?

I teach them ways to activate their imagination and make connections.

What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?

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